Level Including Removable End Caps

ABSTRACT

A level includes a frame supporting a plurality of vials and having an aperture disposed on an end of the level. The level also includes an end cap assembly detachably coupled to the end of the frame. The end cap assembly includes an end cap and a retainer. A portion of the end cap is received in the aperture and is maintained in engagement with the frame by the retainer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/941,022, filed Nov. 13, 2015, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/079,054 filed on Nov. 13, 2014,U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/159,025 filed on May 8, 2015,U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/180,287 filed on Jun. 16, 2015, andU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/180,461 filed on Jun. 16,2015, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to levels and more particularly to levelsincluding magnets, illuminated vials, and end cap assemblies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides, in one aspect, a level having a framesupporting a plurality of level vials and including an aperture disposedon an end of the level, and an end cap assembly detachably coupled theend of the frame. The end cap assembly includes an end cap and aretainer. A portion of the end cap is received in the aperture and ismaintained in engagement by the retainer.

The present invention provides, in another aspect, a method forattaching an end cap assembly to a level. The end cap assembly includesan end cap and a retainer. The method includes attaching the end cap toan end of the level such that a movable tab of the end cap is receivedin an aperture of the level, and inserting the retainer clip into anopening in the end cap, causing a movable leg of the retainer tomaintain secure engagement of the movable tab with a frame of the level.

Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent byconsideration of the following detailed description and accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a level including an end cap assembly.

FIG. 2 is a left-side perspective view of the level of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken along section line Y-Y of thelevel of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an end cap of the end cap assembly.

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the end cap of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of retainer of the end cap assembly.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line Y-Y of aportion of the level of FIG. 1, showing the end cap assembly in a lockedposition.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view taken along section line Y-Y of aportion of the level of FIG. 1, showing the end cap assembly in anunlocked position.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a horizontal vial assembly of thelevel of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line Y-Y of avertical vial assembly of the level of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line X-X of FIG. 2of the vertical vial assembly of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view a magnet assembly of the level of FIG.1.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the horizontal vial assembly of FIG. 9.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another level including end capassemblies.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the level of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the level omitting the end capassemblies shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the level shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an end cap of the end cap assembly ofFIG. 14.

FIG. 19 is a front view of the end cap shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a side view of the end cap shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is a rear view of the end cap shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 22 is a top view of the end cap shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a retainer of the end cap assembly ofFIG. 14.

FIG. 24 is a front view of the retainer shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a side view of the retainer shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is a rear view of the retainer shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 27 is a top view of the retainer shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 28 is a front perspective view of another end cap assembly for usewith the level of FIG. 14, the end cap assembly including an end cap anda retainer partially removed from the end cap.

FIG. 29 is a front perspective view of the end cap assembly with theretainer completely inserted into the end cap.

FIG. 30 is a rear perspective view of the end cap assembly of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the retainer of FIG. 28.

FIG. 32 is a rear view of the retainer shown in FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a front perspective view of the end cap of FIG. 28.

FIG. 34 is a rear perspective view of the end cap shown in FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is a front view of the end cap shown in FIG. 33.

FIG. 36 is a rear view of the end cap shown in FIG. 33.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orof being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood thatthe phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein ismeant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereofas well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, theterms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variationsthereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirectmountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected”and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connectionsor couplings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a level 100 includes an elongated body 104having a first planar surface 108 and a second planar surface 112 thatare each substantially flat and parallel to one another. The elongatedbody 104 also defines side surfaces 106 that extend between the planarsurfaces 108, 112 and are generally perpendicular to the planar surfaces108, 112. As is well known, the planar surfaces 108, 112 are positionedon objects in order to check the orientation or level of that object.With reference to FIG. 3, the elongated body 104 of the illustratedlevel 100 is substantially hollow to reduce the weight of the levelwhile also providing interior space for positioning components. Ribs 116are located within the hollow portion of the level 100 and extendparallel to each other along the entire length, or a portion of thelength, of the elongated body 104. In particular, two upper ribs 116 arepositioned closer to the first planar surface 108 relative to two lowerribs 116 that are positioned closer to the second planar surface 112.Furthermore, handles 118 extend through the side surfaces of theelongated body 104 and are operable to grip the level 100.

A removable end cap assembly 120 is selectively positioned at each endopening of the level 100 to cover the end of the elongated body 104. Theend cap assembly 120 includes a first portion or end cap 124 (FIGS. 4and 5) and a second portion or retainer 128 (FIG. 6). The end cap 124 ismore resilient and softer than the retainer 128 and fits within theopening of the elongated body 104. The end cap 124 includes movable tabs132, each having a button 136. In the illustrated embodiment, the button136 is cylindrical; however, in other embodiments, the button may benon-cylindrical. The end cap 124 also includes slits 140 adjacent themovable tabs 132. The tabs 132 are movable in that the tabs 132 canpivot, bend, or deflect relative to each other and the remainder of theend cap 124. With reference to FIG. 5, a channel 144 extends through theend cap 124. Slots 148 are positioned adjacent the channel 144 andextend towards the movable tabs 132. In the illustrated embodiment, twoslots 148 are positioned oppositely from two slots 148; however, inother embodiments, one slot may be positioned oppositely from anotherslot.

The retainer 128 is formed from a harder or more rigid material (e.g.,hard plastic, metal, etc.) than the end cap 124 and is sized to fitwithin the end cap 124. In particular, the retainer 128 includes a body152 that is sized to be received within the channel 144. The body 152includes four protrusions 156 (three of which are shown in FIG. 6) thatare sized to be received within the slots 148. The illustrated body 152also includes detents 150 and stops 154, with the detents 150 locatedbetween the stops 154 and the protrusions 156.

Upon assembly of the end cap 124 and the retainer 128 to the elongatedbody 104 (FIG. 7), the end cap 124 is positioned within the end openingof the elongated body 104 such that the ribs 116 are received within theslits 140. As such, the engagement between the ribs 116 and the slits140 provides support and alignment as the end cap 124 is coupled to theelongated body 104. As the retainer 128 is inserted into the channel144, the body 152 engages and moves the movable tabs 132 such that thebuttons 136 engage an aperture 146 in the elongated body 104. Inaddition, the detents 150 abut an interior wall of the end cap 124,providing positive feedback once the retainer 128 fully engages the endcap 124. Therefore, the end cap assembly 120 is locked in position.

To remove the end cap assembly 120 (FIG. 8), the retainer 128 is movedout of the channel 144 and away from the elongated body 104 so that thedetents 150 disengage from the interior wall of the end cap 124. Theretainer 128 is further moved away from the elongated body 104 until thestops 154 abut the interior wall of the end cap 124. As such, the body152 slides along the movable tabs 132, allowing the buttons 136 todisengage from the apertures 146 of the elongated body 104.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the illustrated level 100 includes twovertical vial assemblies 160 (e.g., plumb vials) and a horizontal vialassembly 164 (e.g., level vial). In particular, the horizontal vialassembly 164 is orientated parallel to the planar surfaces 108, 112,whereas the vertical vial assemblies 160 are orientated perpendicular tothe planar surfaces 108, 112. Both the vertical and horizontal vialassemblies 160, 164 are coupled to the elongated body 104 utilizing theribs 116, as described in detail below.

With reference to FIGS. 9 and 13, the horizontal vial assembly 164includes an anchor 168 configured to abut the upper ribs 116. The anchor168 includes apertures 170 that are utilized for alignment of the anchor168 within the elongated body 104. For example, a tool includesprotrusions that engage the apertures 170 such that the tool can movethe anchor 168 into position from outside the elongated body 104. Afirst housing member 172 includes grooves that are sized to engage theupper ribs 116. The anchor 168 and the first housing member 172 aresecured together by fasteners (e.g., screws), thereby providing lockingengagement with the elongated body 104. A second housing member 176 iscoupled to a level vial 180, and the second housing member 176 issecured to the first housing member 172 via an adhesive (e.g., epoxy)that is injected therebetween. To aid in alignment, the first housingmember includes a central protrusion between the fasteners. The secondhousing member engages this central protrusion, which acts as a fulcrumto allow the fine alignment of the vial prior to the addition of theadhesive.

With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the vertical vial assembly 160includes a first cover 184 that engages a side surface of the elongatedbody 104 and extends into the hollow portion of the elongated body 104.The illustrated first cover 184 includes grooves that engage the ribs116 to inhibit rotation of the first cover 184 relative to the elongatedbody 104. The first cover 184 is clamped onto the elongated body 104 bya support member 188 secured to the first cover 184 by fasteners (e.g.,screws). A level vial assembly 192 is received within the support member188 abutting the first cover 184. Alignment ribs 196 maintain axialalignment between the cover 184 and the level vial 192. A second cover200 engages the first cover 184 and includes a ring member 204 thatengages the other side surface of the elongated body 104. The secondcover 200 and the ring member 204 are attached to the first cover 184 byeither an adhesive or an ultra-sonic welding process.

Furthermore, the level vials 180, 192 are coupled to LEDs 208 (FIGS. 9and 10) that illuminate some or all of the vial assemblies 160, 164 toimprove the readability of the level 100. The LEDs 208 are operable by apower source (e.g., at least one battery) that is received within abattery housing 212 (FIGS. 1 and 3). A power button 216 (illustrated inFIG. 2) is positioned opposite the battery housing 212 and is operableto selectively provide power between the power source and the LEDs 208.In other embodiments, the LEDs 208, the battery housing 212, and thepower button 216 may be omitted. In one construction, LEDs arepositioned adjacent each end of the vial and are bonded in place usingan adhesive.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 12, magnet assemblies 220 are locatedwithin the hollow portion of the elongated body 104 and are adjacent theplanar surface 112 opposite from the horizontal vial assembly 164. Inthe illustrated embodiment, three magnet assemblies 220 are positionedwithin the elongated body 104; however, in other embodiments, there maybe more or less than three magnet assemblies 220. In other embodiments,the magnet assemblies 220 may be located adjacent the planar surface108. The magnet assemblies 220 are operable to couple the level 100 to ametallic surface such that the level 100 is maintained in positionwithout operator's input.

As shown in FIG. 12, each magnet assembly 220 includes a first housing224 having resilient fingers 228 operable to engage the lower ribs 116.As such, the magnet assemblies 220 are biased towards the planar surface112. A second housing 232 includes tabs that engage with the firsthousing 224 internally within the elongated body 104. The illustratedsecond housing 232 also extends through an aperture within the planarsurface 112 so that a portion of the second housing 232 is substantiallyflush or coextensive with the planar surface 112. The second housing 232includes cavities that receive magnets 236 therein. Preferably, themagnets 236 are arranged adjacent one another, with one of the magnets236 having a south pole facing outward from the level 100 and the secondmagnet having a north pole facing outward from the level 100. Thisarrangement produces a magnetic field or magnetic circuit between theadjacent north and south poles that produces a greater magneticattraction that would otherwise be produced by magnets arranged with acommon pole facing outward. In the illustrated embodiment, the secondhousing 232 includes two cavities each receiving a magnet 236; however,in other embodiments, the second housing 232 may support more or lessthan two magnets. The magnets 236 are secured to the second housing 232by a strap 240 with an adhesive positioned on the strap 240 to ensurethat the strap 240 is fixed to the second housing 232.

FIGS. 14-27 illustrate a level 300 including a frame 304 having end capassemblies 308 coupled to opposite ends of the frame 304. It should benoted that any features presented herein may be incorporated into theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-13, and any features presented abovemay be incorporated into the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14-27. Theend cap assemblies 308 are selectively coupled to the frame 304. Thelevel 300 is utilized to determine whether an object is level to aparticular surface or for adjusting an object to a level surface. Thelevel 300 may be used to measure and level at different angles, e.g., 0degrees and 90 degrees.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, the frame 304 includes a topplanar surface 312, a bottom planar surface 316, and an intermediatesurface 320 that extends between the top planar surface 312 and thebottom planar surface 316. The top planar surface 312 is spaced apartfrom and substantially parallel to the bottom planar surface 316. Incontrast, the intermediate surface 320 extends from and is substantiallyperpendicular to the top and the bottom surfaces 312, 316. As a result,a cross section of the frame 304 yields an I-beam construction (FIG.16). In other embodiments, the level 300 may be a box level thatincludes a hollow rectangular cross section.

The intermediate surface 320 includes hanging apertures 324, levelingvials 328, and a handle 332. The handle 332 is defined as an opening inthe intermediate surface 320 in order for an operator to handle andmanipulate the level 300. The hanging apertures 324 are located atopposite ends of the frame 304 and are generally oblong-shaped slotsextending towards the top planar surface 312 and the bottom planarsurface 316. In other embodiments, the hanging apertures 324 may bedifferently shaped (e.g., circular, triangular, polygonal, etc.). Thehanging apertures 324 allow the level 300 to be coupled to a supportstructure (e.g., nail, merchandiser bracket, etc.).

In the illustrated embodiment, the leveling vials 328 include a 0-degreevial 328A and two 90-degree vials 328B. The 90-degree vials 328B arelocated adjacent ends of the level 300, and the 0-degree vial 328A islocated between the 90-degree vials 328B. The long axis of the 0-degreevial is parallel with the top planar surface 312 and the bottom planarsurface 316. The long axis of the 90-degree vial is perpendicular withthe top planar surface 312 and the bottom planar surface 316. Each vialcontains a liquid, a gas bubble, and a series of markings. In otherembodiments, the frame 304 may also or alternatively support a 45-degreevial and a 30-degree vial that are orientated at their respective anglerelative to the top planar surface 312 and the bottom planar surface316.

In operation, as the angle of the level 300 (and therefore the angle ofthe leveling vials 328) changes relative to a fixed axis, the gas bubblemoves within the vial 328 along the long axis of the vial 328. Theposition of the gas bubble with respect to the markings allows the userto determine the orientation of the surface or object to be leveledrelative to that vial 328. For example, when the top planar surface 312engages the surface or object to be leveled, the surface or object to beleveled is level when the gas bubble is centered along the long axis ofthe 0-degree vial 328A.

Each end cap assembly 308 includes a retainer 336 selectively coupled toan end cap 340. The end cap 340 protects the ends of the frame 304 fromdamage during use of the level 300.

In reference to FIGS. 18-22, the end cap 340 includes an exteriorportion 344, an interior portion 348, and movable tabs 352. When the endcap 340 is coupled to the frame 304, the exterior portion 344 extendsoutside and away from the frame 304, and the interior portion 348extends into the frame 304. Engagement between the interior portion 348and the frame 304 facilitates proper alignment between the exteriorportion 344 and the top and bottom planar surfaces 312, 316. In theillustrated embodiment, the interior portion 348 includes four segmentsseparated by a channel 356 and the movable tabs 352. The channel 356 issized to receive the intermediate surface 320 of the frame 304 andextends the entire length of the interior portion 348. In theillustrated embodiment, the four segments of the interior portion 348are substantially an “L” shaped construction to conform to the I-beamconstruction of the frame 304. In other embodiments, the interiorportion 348 can be differently constructed to conform to differentconstructions of the frame 304. With reference to FIG. 19, the exteriorportion 344 extends beyond a periphery of the interior portion 348.

The exterior portion 344 defines an opening 360 generally aligned withthe movable tabs 352. In particular, the movable tabs 352 extend fromthe opening 360 away from the exterior portion 344. In someconstructions, the exterior portion 344 can be manufactured from a shockabsorbing material (e.g., plastic, rubber, etc.) to protect the ends ofthe frame 304.

With reference to FIG. 18, the movable tabs 352 are biased away fromeach other such that the movable tabs 352 are easily received over theintermediate surface 320. Each movable tab 352 includes a finger 364.The fingers 364 extend towards each other and are sized to fit within aportion of the hanging aperture 324.

With reference to FIGS. 23-27, the retainer 336 includes movable legs368 and recesses 372. The retainer is generally U-shaped such that thelegs 368 extend generally parallel but slightly angled relative to eachother. The legs 368 are movable in that the legs 368 can deflect, bend,or pivot relative to each other. The movable legs 368 are biased towardseach other and sized to engage the movable tabs 352. The recesses 372are located near the open portion of the retainer 336 and are in facingrelationship to each other. In addition, the retainer 336 may also bereferred as a locking member, as discussed in more detail below.Furthermore, the retainer 336 functions as a tool-less (e.g., key-less)locking member.

To attach the end cap assemblies 308 to the frame 304, the end cap 340is inserted on each end of the frame 304. The intermediate surface 320is received within the channel 356, and the interior portion 344 extendsinto the frame 304. In this position, the interior portion 344 extendsfrom the top, the bottom planar surfaces 312, 316 extend around thehanging aperture 126, and the fingers 364 align with a portion of thehanging aperture 324. Because the movable tabs 352 are biased away fromeach other, the end cap 340 is easily attached to the frame 304.

In order to secure the end cap 340 to the frame 304, the retainer 336 isinserted into the end cap 340. In particular, the retainer 336 isinserted into the end cap 340 via the opening 360. As the retainer 336is inserted in the opening 360, the movable legs 368 contact the movabletabs 352. The biasing force of the movable legs 368 is greater than themovable tabs 352 such that the movable legs 368 will move the fingers364 together, thereby clamping the fingers 364 within the hangingaperture 324. Once the fingers 364 engage portions of the frame 304surrounding the hanging aperture 324, the end cap 340 is secured to theframe 304. In other words, the retainer 336 functions as a lockingmember to secure the end cap 340 to the frame 304.

To remove the end cap 340 from the frame 304, the operator grabs theretainer 336 via the recesses 372 and moves the retainer 336 away fromthe hanging aperture 324 and through the opening 360. As a result, themovable tabs 352 bias away from the hanging aperture 324 to be easilyremoved from the frame 304. The retainer 336 (i.e., the locking member)locks or unlocks the end cap 340 to the frame 304 without the need of akey or tool.

FIGS. 28-36 illustrate another embodiment of an end cap assembly 408 foruse with the level 300 presented above. The end cap assemblies 408 maybe utilized with the level 300 in place of end cap assemblies 308. Theend cap assembly 408 includes a retainer 436 and an end cap 440, whichare configured to attached to and engage the level 300 in a similarmanner to the end cap assembly 308.

With reference to FIGS. 31 and 32, the retainer 436 includes a flatsurface having movable legs 468 extending away from one side of thesurface. The movable legs 468 are biased towards each other and areengageable with the end cap 440. In addition, each movable leg 468include a pair of flanges 470 extending along opposing sides of the legs468 to aid in the mating of the retainer 436 and the end cap 440.

With reference to FIGS. 33-36, the end cap 440 includes an exteriorportion 444 and an interior portion 448, and a movable tab 452. Theexterior portion 444 is constructed from a softer material (e.g.,rubber) than the retainer 436. When the end cap 440 is coupled to theframe 304, the exterior portion 444 extends outside and away from theframe 304, and the interior portion 448 extends into the frame 304.Engagement between the interior portion 448 and the frame 304facilitates proper alignment between the exterior portion 444 and thetop and bottom planar surfaces 312, 316. In the illustrated embodiment,the interior portion 448 includes two segments separated by a channel456, with the movable tab 452 formed on one of the segments. The channel456 is sized to receive the intermediate surface 320 of the frame 304(FIG. 16) and extends the entire length of the interior portion 448. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the two segments of the interior portion 448are substantially a U-shaped construction to conform to the I-beamconstruction of the frame 304. Each U-shaped segment includes flanges458 along each leg of the U-shaped construction. The flanges 458 areconfigured to mate with the flanges 470 of the clip 436 (FIG. 30).

With reference to FIGS. 35 and 36, the end cap 440 includes a pair ofopenings 460 sized and shaped to receive the movable legs 468 of theclip 436. The exterior portion 444 also includes a plurality of recessesdisposed on the surfaces surrounding the openings 460.

With reference to FIGS. 33 and 34, the movable tab 452 extends betweenthe openings 460 and includes a finger 464 having a flat surface 462.The finger 464 is sized and shaped to fit within a portion of thehanging apertures 324 such that, when the end cap 440 is place on theframe 304, the flat surface 462 engages portions of the frame 304surrounding the hanging aperture 324.

To attach the end cap assemblies 408 to the frame 304, the end cap 440is inserted on each end of the frame 304. The intermediate surface 320is received within the channel 456, and the interior portion 444 extendsinto the frame 304 such that the movable tab 452 extends along theintermediate surface 320. In addition, the finger 464 is received withinthe hanging aperture 324, thereby placing the flat surface 462 intoengagement with a portion of the frame 304.

In order to secure the end cap 440 to the frame, the retainer 436 isinterested into the end cap 440 (FIG. 28-30). More specifically, themovable legs 468 are inserted through the openings 460 such that themovable legs 468 extend into the interior portion 448. One of themovable legs 468 engages the movable tab 452 in order to bias the finger464 of the tab 452 into the aperture 324. Since the movable legs 468have a greater biasing force than the movable tab 452, the tab 452 issecurely engaged with the frame 304. In other words, the retainer 436functions as a locking member to secure the end cap 440 to the frame304.

To remove the end cap 440 from the frame 304, the operator pulls theretainer 436 out of the openings 460, without the need for any key ortool. This results in the movable legs 468 moving out of engagement withthe movable tab 452, thereby removing the biasing force maintaining asecure engagement of the finger 464 within the aperture 324. At thistime, the user may easily remove the finger 464 from the aperture 324and detach the end cap 440 from the frame 304.

1. A level comprising: a frame comprising an I-beam shaped cross-sectionhaving a top planar surface connected to a bottom planar surface by anintermediate surface extending between the top and bottom planarsurfaces and an aperture disposed through the intermediate surface; aplurality of level vials supported by the frame; and an end cap assemblydetachably coupled to an end of the frame, the end cap assemblycomprising an end cap and a retainer received within the end cap;wherein, when the retainer is received within the end cap, a portion ofthe retainer biases a portion of the end cap into the aperture couplingthe end cap to the frame.
 2. The level of claim 1, wherein the portionof the end cap is a movable tab that is received in the aperture whenthe retainer is received within the end cap.
 3. The level of claim 2,wherein the movable tab is biased into the aperture by a movable leg ofthe retainer.
 4. The level of claim 3, wherein the end cap includes apair of moveable tabs and the retainer includes a pair of opposingmoveable legs, wherein each moveable leg of the retainer engages one ofthe moveable tabs of the end cap biasing the moveable tabs of the endcap laterally inward toward the intermediate surface to couple the endcap to the frame.
 5. The level of claim 4, wherein the pair of moveabletabs of the end cap are biased away from the intermediate surface whenthe retainer is not received within the end cap.
 6. The level of claim1, wherein the aperture of the frame is completely surrounded by theintermediate surface.
 7. The level of claim 1, wherein the end capincludes an opening that receives the retainer.
 8. The level of claim 7,wherein the opening of the end cap is located through an end surface ofan exterior portion of the end cap such that the retainer is receivedthrough the end surface of the end cap.
 9. The level of claim 1, whereinthe retainer is constructed from a material that is less flexible thanthe end cap.
 10. A level comprising: a frame comprising: an upper planarsurface; a lower planar surface, an intermediate surface extendingbetween the upper planar surface and the lower planar surface; and anaperture located through the intermediate surface; at least one vialsupported by the frame; and an end cap detachably coupled to an end ofthe frame, the end cap comprising a moveable portion and a channel; anda retainer received into the channel of the end cap such that theretainer biases the moveable portion of the end cap into the aperturecoupling the end cap to the frame.
 11. The level of claim 10, whereinthe intermediate surface is perpendicular to the upper planar surfaceand to the lower planar surface such that the frame has an I-beam shapedcross-section.
 12. The level of claim 10, wherein the retainer biasesthe moveable portion inward toward the intermediate surface of theframe.
 13. The level of claim 10, wherein the moveable portion of theend cap includes a pair of moveable tabs and the retainer biases themoveable tabs of the end cap laterally inward toward the intermediatesurface.
 14. The level of claim 13, wherein the retainer includes a pairof opposing moveable legs, wherein each moveable leg of the retainerengages one of the moveable tabs of the end cap biasing the moveabletabs of the end cap laterally inward toward the intermediate surface.15. The level of claim 14, wherein the pair of moveable tabs of the endcap are biased away from the intermediate surface when the retainer isnot received within the end cap.
 16. The level of claim 10, wherein theend cap includes an opening that defines an entrance to the channel ofthe end cap, wherein the retainer is received into the channel throughthe opening, wherein the opening of the end cap is located through anend surface of an exterior portion of the end cap such that the retaineris received through the end surface into the channel of the end cap. 17.The level of claim 16, wherein the frame defines a longitudinal axisparallel to both the upper planar surface and the lower planar surface,wherein the retainer is received through the end surface of the end capin a direction along the longitudinal axis of the frame.
 18. The levelof claim 10, wherein the retainer is constructed from a material that isless flexible than the end cap.
 19. A level comprising: a framecomprising: an upper planar surface; a lower planar surface, anintermediate surface extending between the upper planar surface and thelower planar surface; and an aperture located through the intermediatesurface; at least one level vial supported by the frame; and an end capcomprising a pair of moveable tabs each located on opposing sides of theintermediate surface; and a retainer received into the end cap such thatthe retainer biases the moveable tabs of the end cap laterally inwardtoward the intermediate surface causing the movable tabs of the end capto engage the aperture detachably coupling the end cap to an end of theframe.
 20. The level of claim 19, wherein the intermediate surface isperpendicular to the upper planar surface and to the lower planarsurface such that the frame has an I-beam shaped cross-section.